Texans place rookie TE on IR ahead of Chiefs playoff game

Cade Stover’s rookie season as the do-it-all tight end has come to an end following Saturday’s win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

Cade Stover’s rookie season is over.

The Houston Texans placed the tight end on the injured reserve on Tuesday afternoon. Because a player must spend four weeks on the reserved list, Stover wouldn’t be cleared to return until after the Super Bowl.

In last week’s 31-12 wild-card round win over the Los Angeles Chargers, Stover caught four passes for 28 yards.

After waiving receiver Diontae Johnson, Houston must now fill two roster spots. In Stover’s place, veteran tight end Teagan Quitorinao should be the secondary option after returning to practice last week.

He’s been a reliable No. 3 option in the passing game and should see his role expand in the red zone. He hasn’t been added back to the 53-man roster, so its seems like one spot could be filled.

The Texans hit the road to take on the Kansas City Chiefs this Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. CT. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN and ABC.